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Long-Term Impact of Study Abroad on Sustainability-Related Attitudes and Behaviors

Author

Listed:
  • Hongping Zhang

    (Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA)

  • Heather J. Gibson

    (Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

Abstract

Using study abroad as a vehicle for sustainable education is a growing trend. However, an examination of the impact of study abroad on participants’ sustainability-related attitudes and behaviors years after their programs is scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore how a short-term sustainability themed study abroad program impacted students’ sustainability-related attitudes and behaviors. Since long-term personal development and change of attitudes are complex and multidimensional, a qualitative approach was used allowing participants to share their experiences and reflections on the process of learning and internalizing sustainability. A total of 31 study abroad participants were interviewed (20 to 33 years of age) and a grounded theory method was used throughout the study. Participants’ behavioral changes were identified, and the specific study abroad program designs that were associated with such changes were identified and discussed. The three behavioral changes identified by the participants were lifestyle, professional development, and responsible travel behaviors. The effective program design elements include emotion, cognition, and action. Furthermore, the findings suggested revisions to the Value–Belief–Norm model in that more motives should be added whereas, weight of responsibility might need to be reevaluated. This study contributes to the educational tourism and sustainability literature with practical implications for program design, and a better understanding of students’ long-term learning outcomes regarding sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongping Zhang & Heather J. Gibson, 2021. "Long-Term Impact of Study Abroad on Sustainability-Related Attitudes and Behaviors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1953-:d:497787
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vasiliki Kioupi & Nikolaos Voulvoulis, 2019. "Education for Sustainable Development: A Systemic Framework for Connecting the SDGs to Educational Outcomes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Sudhanshu Gupta & Richa Agrawal, 2018. "Environmentally Responsible Consumption: Construct Definition, Scale Development, and Validation," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(4), pages 523-536, July.
    3. Lee, Hae Young & Bonn, Mark A. & Reid, Earl L. & Kim, Woo Gon, 2017. "Differences in tourist ethical judgment and responsible tourism intention: An ethical scenario approach," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 298-307.
    4. Farzana Sharmin & Mohammad Tipu Sultan & Alina Badulescu & Dorin Paul Bac & Benqian Li, 2020. "Millennial Tourists’ Environmentally Sustainable Behavior Towards a Natural Protected Area: An Integrative Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-24, October.
    5. Juvan, Emil & Dolnicar, Sara, 2014. "The attitude–behaviour gap in sustainable tourism," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 76-95.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Tarrant & Stephen Schweinsberg & Adam Landon & Stephen L. Wearing & Matthew McDonald & Donald Rubin, 2021. "Exploring Student Engagement in Sustainability Education and Study Abroad," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-14, November.
    2. Brack W. Hale, 2021. "Educating for the Environment: The Role of the Host Destination in Education Travel Programs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Gregory-Siy Ching, 2021. "The Moderating Role of Personality in the Relationship between Internet Use and Study Abroad Difficulties," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-25, July.
    4. Brack W. Hale, 2022. "Educational Travel Programs, Sustainability, and the Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-3, February.

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